Background

Computers were one of the first product groups (ENER Lot 3) which was targeted by the Ecodesign Directive and resulted in implementing measures (Regulation (EC) No 617/2013). A review study was conducted during 2016-2018 for this Regulation.

Objectives

The main aim of this study is to provide environmental, techno-economic analysis and scientific support to the Commission in the policy-making process towards the impact assessment of possible revision of the Regulation EU 617/2013 and energy labelling. The process to achieve this aim must meet specific requirements of the Better Regulation Guidelines of the Commission.

According to the Review Article of the Regulation, key issues to be tackled are the following:

  1. In the light of rapid technological development, this review shall consider developments in the Energy Star programme, and opportunities to tighten ecodesign requirements, to significantly reduce or to eliminate the energy allowances, in particular for discrete graphics cards (dGfx), to update definitions/scope, and the potential to address energy consumption of integrated displays;
  2. the review shall specifically consider different life-cycle phases, the feasibility of establishing and applying the Ecodesign requirements on other significant environmental aspects such as noise, material use efficiency, including requirements on durability, dismantlability, recyclability, standardised interfaces for rechargers, as well as information requirements on the content of certain Critical Raw Materials and minimum number of loading cycles and battery replacement issues.